Pat Rafter’s appointment as AustralianDavis Cup captain was praised by tennis legend John McEnroe, who found it hard to believe that Australia lacks a single man in the world’s top 50.
McEnroe, a seven-time grand slam winner, is among the main attractions in the eight-man Champions Down Under tournament held at Sydney Olympic Park.
In the final, the 51-year-old American defeated fellow seven-time slam champion Mats Wilander and is set to face Australia’s 1987 Wimbledon singles champion, Pat Cash.
Against Wilander, he secured a win of 7-6, 7-6, albeit following some outbursts from the experienced player. “I must say, that I thought he was right on every call,” McEnroe commented after taking issue with the umpire and a few line judges. He even squandered a point during the game by serving, without bouncing the ball first, directly at the line judge’s head.
The laconic McEnroe, who has captivated fans with his thrilling tennis and unpredictable behavior, delivered numerous witty remarks and expressed intriguing opinions at a press conference in Sydney.
He expressed disbelief that a historically successful tennis nation such as Australia now has no players ranked in the men’s top 50, with veteran Lleyton Hewitt being the only local male in the top 100 at 56.
“I grew up idolising Laver, and having Harry Hopman around was inspiring. I heard all these war stories about such incredible players,” McEnroe shared with reporters.
“It’s unbelievable to think there isn’t even one guy in the top 50 right now.
“I don’t know what’s going on.”
McEnroe was skeptical about Hewitt’s ability to add to his two grand slam singles titles.
“It will be interesting to see how much longer he wants to go on—I’m sure he’s not the type of person who is content being 56th in the world,” he remarked.
He pointed out that Australia has fallen into “the minor leagues” of the Davis Cup after yet again failing to qualify for the World Group and wished Rafter well in his new role as Australian captain.
“I believe Patrick Rafter is a fantastic appointment, absolutely first class. There isn’t a single guy on the tour who doesn’t like this young man; he’s what you’d call a mate’s mate in Australia.
“I think he’ll do a great job.”
Regarding Roger Federer, McEnroe was doubtful that he would reclaim the No.1 ranking from Rafael Nadal, although he believed the Swiss superstar still has the potential to win a few more majors.
“Certainly at Wimbledon, he’ll be a threat for the next few years at least,” McEnroe stated.
“I don’t think he’s declined that much, but players need to improve. Some, like Nadal, have gotten better, and he has youth on his side.”
Cash asserted that Australia’s top female player, sixth-ranked Samantha Stosur, possesses the capability to win a major after reaching the French Open final this year.
“I do believe that she is one of the best players on the women’s tour, and she thinks she can clinch a slam. I don’t see anyone consistently performing better than her,” Cash remarked.
“Of course, when Serena is at her best, she is unbeatable, but she doesn’t always play, so I think Sam has a great opportunity.”